Pressurized camera housing

ABSTRACT

A pressurizable camera housing of a surveillance camera. The housing includes a transparent dome, an upper housing shell, and an upper sealing plate. The components are separable for access to the housing interior for installation and maintenance purposes. O-ring seals are provided between the separable components for maintaining pressure within the housing. A pivotal mounting bracket includes a hinged portion allowing access to wiring, circuitry and other components behind the bracket.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Serial No. 60/194,919, filed Apr. 4, 2000, and U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 09/566,822, filed May 8, 2000, the entire scope andcontent of which applications are hereby incorporated by referenceherein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] The present invention relates generally to a housing for asurveillance camera, and more particularly to a pressurizable housingfor a surveillance camera having an improved pressure sealing andinterior access arrangement.

[0004] 2. Description of Related Art

[0005] Surveillance cameras are widely used for security and monitoringpurposes. A protective housing often encloses a surveillance camera toprotect the camera from damage by the elements, to prevent vandalism, toconceal the camera, and/or for aesthetic purposes. Such housings can bedomed, shaped to generally match the camera contours, or otherwiseconfigured. The camera and housing are typically mounted to a wall,ceiling or support structure, and electronically coupled to a powersource and a remote monitoring and/or recording station.

[0006] It has been found advantageous in certain applications topressurize the housing of a surveillance camera for improved protectionagainst the elements. For example, a pressurized gas such as drynitrogen can be introduced to a sealed housing to prevent the intrusionof moisture, dust, insects and other potential contaminants or debris.U.S. Pat. No. 5,852,754 to Schneider, which is incorporated herein byreference, discloses an example embodiment of a pressurized camerahousing.

[0007] It is desirable that the interior of a camera housing be easilyaccessible for installation, service and maintenance purposes.Therefore, known housings typically permit partial disassembly orremoval of structural components for access to the housing interior. Inorder to permit pressurization, known pressurized camera housingstypically incorporate O-rings, gaskets, or other sealing elements toprevent pressure loss between their separable structural components.Each sealing point, however, presents a potential avenue for pressureloss and debris introduction. Therefore, it is desirable to maintain thenumber of sealing points at a minimum. The pressurized camera housingdisclosed by U.S. Pat. No. 5,852,754 performs well in many applications.This housing, however, requires a rigid assembly plate, to which thelower dome and upper enclosure are separately sealed. The assembly plateand the necessity of separate seals for the lower dome and the upperenclosure contribute significantly to the expense of the housing, bothin material costs and labor. The assembly plate also adds weight to thehousing, which may render installation and maintenance more difficultthan would optimally be desired. In addition, the assembly plate of thishousing is typically supported by a mounting bracket, which supports thehousing from the rear side thereof. In many instances, however, it isdesirable to provide a top-mounting housing that is supported fromabove.

[0008] It has therefore been found that a need exists for an improvedcamera housing that is pressurizable, simple and economical inconstruction, aesthetically attractive, and durable in use. It is alsodesirable that the camera housing be lightweight and permit easy accessto the interior thereof, while minimizing the number of sealing pointsnecessary. It is also desirable to provide a camera housing that isreadily adaptable for top-mounting. It is to the provision of a camerahousing meeting these and other needs that the present invention isprimarily directed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The present invention provides an improved camera housing capableof maintaining a positive pressure gradient between its internal volumeand the surroundings. The camera housing facilitates easy access to theinterior thereof, and provides an efficient sealing arrangement. Thecamera housing advantageously eliminates the need for a rigid assemblyplate, and instead provides a seal between the first and second housingshells. Alignment of the seal location with wall portions of the firstand second housing shells

[0010] In one aspect, the present invention is a pressurizable camerahousing including a first housing element having a transparent dome witha flange extending therefrom, a second housing element having a rimreleasably coupled to the flange of the first housing element, and afirst O-ring engaged between the flange of the first housing element andthe rim of the second housing element. The housing preferably furtherincludes a sealing plate engaged within an opening through the secondhousing element, whereby the first housing element, the second housingelement, and the sealing plate define an interior chamber. The housingpreferably further includes a second O-ring engaged between the sealingplate and the second housing element. A hermetic electrical coupling ispreferably included for conducting an electrical signal between theinterior chamber and an external element. The housing preferably alsoincludes means for introducing a pressurized fluid into the interiorchamber.

[0011] In another aspect, the present invention is a pressurizablecamera housing including a first housing shell having a transparentportion, and a second housing shell removably attached to the firsthousing shell, whereby an airtight seal is provided between the firstand second housing shells.

[0012] In another aspect, the present invention is a pressurizablehousing including a first housing shell that is at least partiallytransparent; a second housing shell adapted to engage the first housingshell, whereby the first and second housing shells bound an interiorchamber; and sealing means between the first and second housing shells.The housing preferably also includes means for introducing pressure tothe interior chamber, and means for mounting a camera within theinterior chamber.

[0013] These and other features and advantages of preferred forms of thepresent invention are described in greater detail herein with referenceto preferred and example embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0014]FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a camera housing according to apreferred form of the present invention.

[0015]FIG. 2 shows a side view of the camera housing of FIG. 1, mountedto a support structure.

[0016]FIG. 3 shows a side view of the camera housing of FIG. 1, inpartial cutaway view to show internal components.

[0017]FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of the camera housing of FIG. 1,with a portion of the upper housing shell removed to show internalcomponents.

[0018]FIG. 5 shows a partially exploded view of the camera housing ofFIG. 1, with the lower housing shell separated from the upper housingshell.

[0019]FIG. 6 shows a partially exploded view of the camera housing ofFIG. 1, with the upper sealing plate portion separated from the upperhousing shell.

[0020]FIG. 7a and 7 b show cross-sectional details of a sealingarrangement between the upper and lower housing shells of the camerahousing of FIG. 1, according to a preferred form.

[0021]FIG. 8 shows a cross-sectional detail of a sealing arrangementbetween the upper housing shell and the upper sealing plate of thecamera housing of FIG. 1, according to a preferred form.

[0022]FIGS. 9a and 9 b show a pivot mount portion of the camera housingof FIG. 1, according to a preferred form.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] Referring now to the drawing figures, wherein like referencenumerals represent like parts throughout, preferred forms of the presentinvention will now be described. The present invention is a housing 10for containing and protecting a surveillance camera or other object. Thehousing 10 preferably comprises a sealed enclosure surrounding aninterior chamber 12 configured to accommodate a surveillance camera. Thesealed enclosure preferably permits easy access to its interior chamber12 for installation, repair and maintenance purposes. The enclosure ispreferably airtight and pressurizable, so that a pressurized fluid canbe introduced into the interior chamber 12, and a positive pressuregradient maintained between the interior chamber and the ambientexternal atmosphere surrounding the enclosure. By pressurizing theinterior chamber 12 with a clean, dry gas, such as nitrogen or air,contaminants such as moisture, dust, insects and debris are excludedfrom entry into the enclosure, thereby reducing maintenance needs,improving performance, and/or prolonging the life of the camera andassociated equipment.

[0024] As seen best with reference to FIGS. 1, 3 and 7, the housing 10of the present invention preferably generally comprises a first housingelement or shell 20, a second housing element or shell 22, and anairtight seal 24 between the first and second housing shells, whichcooperate to form a sealed enclosure about the interior chamber 12. Thefirst housing shell 20 preferably includes a transparent portion throughwhich the camera obtains an image. Most preferably, the transparentportion comprises a dome 26 of generally hemispherical shape, andfabricated from a substantially rigid clear or tinted material such asacrylic. Alternatively, the transparent portion can comprise a conicalor irregularly-shaped dome, or a transparent panel. The first housingshell 20 preferably further comprises a flange 28 for engagement withthe seal 24 and connection with the second housing shell 22. The flange28 preferably projects circumferentially outwardly from the dome 26,presenting a generally flat, planar upper face for direct airtightcontact with the seal 24. The flange 28 is preferably integrally formedwith the dome 26 as a single component. The dome portion 26 of the firsthousing shell 20 and at least that portion of the flange 28 inward ofthe line of contact with the seal 24 preferably comprise a continuousunperforated piece, with no openings through which air or other materialcan pass.

[0025] The second housing shell 22 preferably is generally dome-shaped,and has an outer circumference approximately equal to that of the firsthousing shell 20. The second housing shell 22 can be generallyhemispherical or conical, and its height and diameter may vary asrequired to accommodate the camera and/or other equipment to be housedwithin the housing 10. In alternate forms, the second housing shell 22can comprise an irregularly-shaped shell or panel. The second housingshell 22 preferably comprises a rim 40 projecting generallycircumferentially therefrom. The rim 40 preferably comprises acircumferential groove 42 for retaining an O-ring 44 forming the seal 24between the first and second housing shells 20,22. The second housingshell 22 is preferably fabricated from plastic, aluminum, or othersubstantially rigid material.

[0026] As shown in FIG. 7, the seal 24 preferably comprises an O-ring 44formed of neoprene, rubber or other compressible material. The O-ring 44is preferably placed in compression by contact with the first housingshell 20 and the second housing shell 22, thereby forming an airtight,hermetic seal between the first and second housing shells. In aparticularly preferred embodiment, the O-ring is compressed between theflange 28 of the first housing shell 20 and the rim 40 of the secondhousing shell 22 immediately adjacent the intersection of the dome 26and the flange 28 of the first housing shell. In this location, the dome26 provides structural reinforcement against flexure of the flange, asmight occur if the O-ring were located toward the free edge of theflange 28. The wall structure of the second housing shell 22 alsoprovides structural reinforcement against flexure of the rim 40 at thissealing location. The additional structural rigidity provided byalignment of the seal 24 with the walls of the dome 26 and the secondhousing shell 22 in this manner advantageously improves the integrity ofthe seal by minimizing any potential deflection of the contactingsurfaces of the first and second housing shells 20, 22 with the O-ring44. Accordingly, a single O-ring 44 effectively forms an airtight sealdirectly between the first and second housing shells 20, 22, without theneed for a rigid assembly plate as utilized in previously known housingdevices.

[0027] The first and second housing shells 20, 22 are preferablyreleasably coupled to one another to permit access into the interiorchamber 12. As shown in FIGS. 1, 5 and 7, a retaining ring 60 preferablyreceives the dome 26 of the first housing shell in its central opening.The flange 28 does not pass through the opening of the retaining ring,thereby constraining the first housing shell 20 within the retainingring 60. The retaining ring 60 is in turn attached to the rim 40 of thesecond housing shell 22 by screws, clips, threaded connection, or otherreleasable fastening means, with the flange 28 of the first housingshell 20 engaged between the retaining ring and the rim. In aparticularly preferred embodiment, the retaining ring 60 and the secondhousing shell 22 comprise one or more interengaging projections andrecesses that permit the ring 60 to be twisted or otherwise manipulatedinto engagement with the shell 22 and held in place while a plurality ofscrews 62 are tightened through openings in the ring and into threadedopenings in the rim 40 to engage the seal and complete the attachment ofthe first and second housing shells. The screws 62 are tightenedsufficiently to compress the O-ring slightly and form an airtight seal.The retaining ring 60 provides additional structural rigidity to thehousing 10 in the region of the seal 24, resulting in more evenlydistributed compression of the O-ring 44 and an improved sealingarrangement. To disassemble the housing for access to the interiorchamber, the screws 62 are loosened out of engagement with the threadedopenings in the rim 40, and the ring 60 is twisted or otherwisemanipulated out of engagement with the shell 22. The retaining ring 60preferably includes one or more thumb grooves to assist the user inplacement on the second housing shell. A lanyard preferably connects theretaining ring 60 to the upper housing shell 22 to facilitate retrievalof the retaining ring 60 and the lower housing shell 20 for reassembly,and the screws 62 are preferably captive within the openings through thering 60 to prevent their misplacement.

[0028] The housing 10 preferably further comprises means for introducinga pressurized gas into the interior chamber 12. For example, an openingthrough the housing 10 is preferably fitted with a valve 70, such as atire-type Schraeder or Dill valve, which permits the inlet of a gas suchas dry nitrogen, air or other fluid into the housing, and which preventsor only selectively permits the discharge of gas therefrom. The valvepreferably comprises an external fitting capable of engagement with acooperating fitting of an external source of pressurized fluid. Apressure relief valve 72 is preferably also provided for releasingexcess pressure from the housing 10. For example, the pressure reliefvalve 72 can be configured to remain closed in normal operation, and toopen when the pressure within the interior chamber 12 reaches or exceedsa predetermined level (typically about 3-5 p.s.i.) to release fluid fromthe interior chamber 12 until the pressure within the interior chamberdrops back down to the predetermined level.

[0029] The housing preferably further comprises a hermetically sealed orpressure sealed electrical coupling 80 for conducting an electricalsignal between the interior chamber 12 and an external element. Forexample, a hermetic coupling 80, such as for example a 10-pin,hermetically sealed coupling manufactured by Souriau, can be provided toconduct power and control signals from an external power source and/orcontrol station to a camera, an associated drive mechanism, a heaterand/or a blower within the housing; and to conduct video signals fromthe camera to an external monitoring and/or recording station. Thehermetic coupling preferably prevents pressure loss from within theinterior chamber 12 and facilitates connection and disconnection ofequipment for installation, repair and maintenance purposes.

[0030] As seen best with reference to FIGS. 4 and 9, the housing 10 ofthe present invention preferably further comprises a mounting bracket 90for a camera housed within the interior chamber 12. The mounting bracket90 is preferably a universal bracket capable of accommodating a varietyof camera types and their associated pan-and-tilt drive mechanisms. In aparticularly preferred form, the mounting bracket 90 is pivotal topermit improved access to wiring, circuit board, and other equipmentcommonly installed above the mounting bracket, thereby facilitatingeasier repair and installation. The mounting bracket 90 preferablycomprises a fixed portion 92, a pivotal portion 94, and a hinge 96pivotally connecting the pivotal portion to the fixed portion. The hinge96 can comprise interengaging elements of the fixed portion 92 and thepivotal portion 94, a pin-and-clevis hinge, or other type of pivotalconnection. Each of the fixed portion 92 and the pivotal portion 94preferably comprise a base panel having an arm extending outwardly at anangle therefrom. In a first position (FIG. 9a), the base panels of thefixed portion 92 and the pivotal portion 94 are generally coplanar, andform a base for attachment to the remainder of the housing, as by screwsor other fasteners attaching the mounting bracket to the sealing plate110 (described below). The base panel of the fixed portion 92 typicallyremains attached to the sealing plate or other part of the housing. Thebase panel of the pivotal portion 94 can be detached from the sealingplate or other part of the housing, typically by loosening one or morescrews or other fasteners, thereby allowing the pivotal portion to swingpivotally into a second position (FIG. 9b) providing access to equipmentbehind the mounting bracket 90. It is preferred that the screws or otherfasteners used to attach the base panel of the pivotal portion 94 to thesealing plate or other part of the housing be captive within the basepanel, in order to prevent loss of the fasteners. Preferably, the sizeof the base panel of the fixed portion 92 is small relative to the basepanel of the pivotal portion 94, so that access to equipment behind themounting bracket is maximized when the pivotal portion 94 is swung intoits second position.

[0031] The housing 10 of the present invention preferably furthercomprises a quick-release coupling 100 for releasably mounting thehousing 10 to an external support. The coupling 100 can, for example,secure the housing 10 to an overhead wall mount 102, as shown in FIG. 2.

[0032] The fluid valves, electrical coupling, mounting bracket and/orsupport coupling can be directly affixed to the second housing shell oranother part of the housing 10. More preferably, however, the housingfurther comprises a sealing plate 110 to which one or more of the fluidvalves, electrical coupling, mounting bracket and/or support couplingare mounted. As seen with reference to FIGS. 3, 6 and 8, the sealingplate 110 preferably covers an opening 112 through the second housingshell 22 or other part of the housing. A second airtight seal,preferably in the form of an O-ring 114, is provided around the opening112, between the sealing plate 110 and the second housing shell 22, toprevent pressure loss. The sealing plate 110 is preferably installedinside the second housing shell 22, and an external plate 1 16preferably covers the opening 112 outside of the second housing shelland is bolted or otherwise attached to the sealing plate to compress theseal 114 between the sealing plate 110 and the second housing shell 22.A cover plate 118 is preferably installed over the external plate 116 toprotect the fluid valves, electrical coupling, and/or other components,and for improved aesthetics.

[0033] The housing 10 of the present invention is preferably used inconnection with a surveillance camera (unshown) for security ormonitoring purposes. The housing 10 is preferably mounted to a supportsurface in the area to be observed. The first and second housing shells20, 22 are separated from one another to permit installation of thecamera into the interior chamber 12. If necessary, the sealing plate 110can be separated from the second housing shell 22 for installation andelectrical connections. The camera is preferably mounted to the mountingbracket and connected to the internal contacts or pins of the electricalcoupling 80. The first and second housing shells 20, 22 are reattachedand the seal 24 engaged. The sealing plate 110 is also secured in placeand its seal 114 engaged. External wiring is connected to the externalcontacts or pins of the electrical coupling 80. Pressurized fluid isintroduced through valve 70 into the interior chamber 12. Any excesspressure is bled off through the pressure relief valve 72.

[0034] While the invention has been described in its preferred forms, itwill be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that manyadditions, modifications and deletions can be made thereto withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A pressurizable camera housing, comprising: a first housing element having a transparent dome with a flange extending therefrom; a second housing element having a rim releasably coupled to the flange of said first housing element; a first O-ring engaged between the flange of said first housing element and the rim of said second housing element; a sealing plate engaged within an opening through said second housing element, whereby said first housing element, said second housing element, and said sealing plate define an interior chamber; a second O-ring engaged between said sealing plate and said second housing element; a hermetic electrical coupling for conducting an electrical signal between the interior chamber and an external element; and means for introducing a pressurized fluid into the interior chamber, whereby the housing is capable of maintaining a positive pressure gradient between the interior chamber and the ambient external atmosphere surrounding the housing.
 2. The pressurizable camera housing of claim 1, further comprising a pressure relief valve for releasing excess pressure from the interior chamber.
 3. The pressurizable camera housing of claim 1, further comprising a pivotal mounting bracket within the interior chamber for supporting a camera.
 4. The pressurizable camera housing of claim 1, comprising a quick-release coupling for releasably mounting the sealing plate to an overhead support.
 5. The pressurizable camera housing of claim 1, further comprising a retaining ring for releasably coupling the rim of said second housing element to the flange of said first housing element.
 6. The pressurizable camera housing of claim 1, wherein the transparent dome of said first housing element is generally hemispherical.
 7. The pressurizable camera housing of claim 1, wherein said first O-ring is engaged between the flange of said first housing element and the rim of said second housing element in alignment with wall portions of the first and second housing elements.
 8. A pressurizable camera housing comprising a first housing shell having a transparent portion, a second housing shell removably attached to said first housing shell, and an airtight seal between said first and second housing shells, whereby the housing is capable of maintaining a positive pressure gradient between its internal volume and the ambient external atmosphere surrounding the housing.
 9. The pressurizable camera housing of claim 8, further comprising a sealing plate engaged within an opening through said second housing shell, whereby said first housing shell, said second housing shell, and said sealing plate define an interior chamber.
 10. The pressurizable camera housing of claim 9, wherein said sealing plate comprises a hermetic electrical coupling for conducting an electrical signal between the interior chamber and an external element.
 11. The pressurizable camera housing of claim 9, further comprising a quick-release coupling for releasably mounting the sealing plate to an overhead support.
 12. The pressurizable camera housing of claim 8, further comprising an inlet valve for receiving a pressurized fluid.
 13. The pressurizable camera housing of claim 12, further comprising a pressure relief valve for releasing excess pressurized fluid from said housing.
 14. The pressurizable camera housing of claim 8, further comprising a pivotal mounting bracket for supporting a camera within said housing.
 15. A pressurizable housing comprising: a first housing shell that is at least partially transparent; a second housing shell adapted to engage said first housing shell, whereby said first and second housing shells bound an interior chamber; sealing means between said first and second housing shells; means for introducing pressure to the interior chamber; and means for mounting a camera within said interior chamber, whereby the housing is capable of maintaining a positive pressure gradient between the interior chamber and the ambient external atmosphere surrounding the housing.
 16. The pressurizable camera housing of claim 15, wherein the transparent portion of said first housing shell comprises a hemispherical dome.
 17. The pressurizable camera housing of claim 15, wherein said first housing shell comprises a dome portion with a flange projecting therefrom, and wherein said sealing means is engaged between said first housing element and said second housing element adjacent the intersection of said dome portion and said flange.
 18. The pressurizable camera housing of claim 15, further comprising an upper sealing plate engaged within an opening through said second housing shell, said upper sealing plate comprising a coupling for attachment to an overhead support.
 19. The pressurizable camera housing of claim 15, wherein said means for mounting a camera comprises a pivotal mounting bracket having a fixed portion attached to said second housing shell, and a pivotal portion hingedly connected to said fixed portion.
 20. The pressurizable camera housing of claim 15, further comprising a retaining ring for releasably coupling said first housing shell to said second housing shell.
 21. A pressurizable housing comprising: a first housing shell comprising a wall and a flange extending therefrom; a second housing shell comprising a wall and a rim extending therefrom; and an O-ring engaged between the flange of the first housing shell and the rim of the second housing shell, whereby the O-ring is generally aligned with the walls of said first and second housing shells.
 22. A pressurizable housing comprising: a first housing shell comprising a wall and a flange extending therefrom; a second housing shell comprising a wall and a rim extending therefrom; and a retaining ring defining an opening for receiving a portion of the first housing shell and engaging the flange thereof against the rim of said second housing shell.
 23. The pressurizable housing of claim 22, wherein the retaining ring and the second housing shell comprise interengaging coupling elements for detachably coupling the first and second housing shells to one another.
 24. A pressurizable housing comprising an airtight, pressurizable enclosure defining an interior chamber, and a mounting bracket for mounting an object within the interior chamber, said mounting bracket comprising a fixed portion and a pivotal portion, said pivotal portion being hingedly connected to said fixed portion.
 25. A pressurizable housing comprising at least one housing shell that is at least partially transparent, and a sealing plate sealingly engaged within an opening of said shell to form an airtight, pressurizable enclosure, said sealing plate comprising: a valve for introducing fluid into the enclosure; an electrical coupling; and a support coupling for mounting the pressurizable housing to an external support. 